Central-force motion — UPSC Physics Optional IFoS 2022 Paper I

Consider the motion of a particle of mass m in central force field \text{f(r)} = -\,\text{k}/\text{r}^2, where k is a constant and r is the distance from the force centre to the particle. Show that for the given system the vector \vec{\text{A}} = \vec{\text{p}} \times \vec{\text{L}} - \text{mk} \, \frac{\vec{\text{r}}}{\text{r}} is conserved. Using this vector and the fact that \vec{\text{A}} \cdot \vec{\text{L}} = 0, derive the orbit equation for the particle.